How Do I Notify Companies of My New Name?

Once your married and have decide to change names it's your responsibility to get all your accounts, memberships and identification moved over into your new name. There's no official 'registration' of your new name - just start using it! You'll need a marriage certificate from Births, Deaths and Marriages to get started.

Do it yourself

If you've got a whole lot of time and patience you can manage the notification process yourself. Make a list of each company where you need to have your name changed. Call up and ask what the procedure is - you may be asked to return a form, send a letter, a fax, visit a branch or something different. Then set aside the time to write all your letters and faxes.

Let us do it for you

We've already done the hard work. Check out the hundreds of companies on our site and just tick which ones you need to change names with. We'll let you know exactly what to do with each company and provide all this information in a detailed personalised checklist. We'll also send you all the forms, letters and faxes you need. In many cases you can just sign and send.

The process

No matter if you create your own name change notifications and collect your own forms, or let us provide it all for you, the same process should be followed by anyone changing names;

Either buy a personalised name change kit, or else contact each company to check their procedure, wait for forms and write letters

Send off all your name change letters, faxes and forms

Your name is usually changed within a day or two of each company receiving your request

Tips

Update photo ID, such as drivers licence or passport, first. This can be used as proof of your name change with smaller companies.

Take a few photocopies of your licence and passport before changing names as your old one may need to be surrendered. You may find you need to prove your old name, even if several years down the track.

Aim to get your name changed everywhere within a month. Name changes that drag out can become very frustrating when you need to prove your identity.

Ready to get started?

It's free to browse our database and see who we can provide name change procedures and paperwork for. All you need is 10 minutes and the hardest part will be done.

It’s free to update your passport provided you can show a BDM marriage or relationship certificate. If married abroad you will need a BDM legal name change certificate plus your foreign marriage certificate. MORE

You can change your name on the electoral roll via the form below unless you believe that having your name on a publicly available electoral roll may engender the safety of you or your family, in which case you will need to contact the Australian Electoral Commission MORE

When changing your name with banks, credit providers and financial institutions it is a good idea to include a verified copy of your 100 points of ID with along with a verified copy of your marriage certificate. MORE

There are a few steps involved in changing your name and it can take a little longer if you are changing your name legally. It can take around 2 weeks to lodge your application for a marriage or legal name change certificate, up to 8 weeks in processing, then you need to notify each organisation. MORE

The total cost of changing your name depends on your reason and how far through the process you may already be. If you already have your BDM certificate you can use our kits to have your name changed everywhere witin a week or two. MORE